2027 OPEN CALL
Creators OPEN CALL
A4 Residency Art Center located in Chengdu, China, the A4 Residency Art Center is a multidisciplinary global exchange platform that integrates creation, networking, and resources. It is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural creative collisions and innovation through residency programs while promoting the deep integration of creative culture with commerce and communities.
Since 2011, we have collaborated with 335 creators from over 44 countries and regions, spanning diverse fields such as artists, scientists, writers, poets, scholars, musicians, architects, designers, and brand founders. A4 Residency provides professional cross-disciplinary support, empowering creators to push boundaries.Leveraging extensive industry expertise and a robust global network, we facilitate meaningful connections and resource transformation across industries. As an active advocate for social responsibility, we continuously explore innovative ways to integrate creativity into community development, shaping new lifestyles for the public. By strategically merging creativity with commerce, we drive business innovation, offering creators expansive exposure and collaboration opportunities. This synergy cultivates a sustainable ecosystem where art and business thrive together.
Project application deadline:
The deadline of 2027 recruitment is currently located on the 30/06/2026.
The deadline of 2028 all year recruitment is currently located on the 31/12/2026.
2027-2028 International Residency Program – Open Call
A4 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Residency Description
//One.
Resident artists will be participating in a unique context comprised of the art center, the community and the characteristics of the city, which includes the development of a rapidly changing and evolving southern side of a tranquil city as well as the tension between its long history and fractured modernization. The residency’s working ecosystem also engages with diverse themes, spanning the individual and the emotional, the local and the external, the localization and the globalisation, as well as an extensive array of social groups and community practices in China. All of these elements contribute to a layered, dynamic ecosystem for resident artists, offering rich inspiration and interactive space.
// Two.
A4 Residency Art Center respects creative outcomes in various forms and disciplines, encouraging artists to use diverse media and approaches to forge connections and collaborations with the local environment, with a focus on interdisciplinary integration and innovation. At the same time, the residency will offer multiple public platforms for showcasing creative works and actively seeks to create opportunities for resource networking and promotion, enabling artists to gain broader exposure and support for their work.
//Three.
The residency program the residency strives to achieve localization, openness, collaboration, and participation, and expects resident artists to approach the program with the same mindset, engaging actively with the community and urban life, sharing collaborative methods, utilizing tools and expertise, and growing alongside the team and external participants. The residency team will fully support artists’ work, offering access to the center’s resource library and assisting with connections to local resources. Meanwhile, through the unique “Super Agent” system, artists will be paired with local residents to gain authentic perspectives on daily life, helping them quickly understand the area, integrate into the community, and establish their creative direction.
//Four.
The residency program has established a comprehensive documentation and research system,involving multiple interviews and discussions throughout the project, with creative outcomes recorded and summarized. Additionally, the Art Center’s “Super Agent” system and “RE Expansion Program”will launch two levels of cooperation to build a deeper relational network: on one level, involving residents to enrich the diversity of local life; and on the other, sharing documentation with external scholars to enable observation and discussion on a broader scale and from a wider perspective.
Who Can Apply:
We welcome applications from:
1. Multidisciplinary artists: Including but not limited to visual arts, performing arts, music, film, sound, and architecture.
2. Curators: Engaged in cross-disciplinary exhibition-making, curation, and project development.
3. Designers: Spanning product design, fashion design, spatial design, interactive design, and related fields.
4. Others: Creatives with interdisciplinary backgrounds capable of integrating art, business, and cultural sectors.
Program support：
International Residency Fellowship (Fully Funded)
Targeted at creators seeking comprehensive financial and production support.
1. Residency Duration: Not less than 8 weeks.
2. Studio & Accommodation: Private workspace and living quarters provided.
3. Travel Support: Round-trip airfare (Economy) or Train (2nd Class) within a set budget.
4. Production Grant: RMB 10,000 per project for materials/production.
5. Resource Network: Engagement with local communities, commercial brands, and cultural institutions.
6. Cultural Immersion: Exclusive guided experiences exploring Chengdu’s cultural landscape.
7. Media Exposure: Promotional support via official online platforms.
8. Events & Networking: Participation in salons, talks, and open studio events.
9. Presentation Opportunities: Showcasing residency outcomes through exhibitions, performances, publications, and public art projects.
A4 Residency “Light Version” (Self-Funded)
Designed for creators who prioritize flexibility and access to A4’s elite platform and community.
1. Residency Duration: Flexible within an 8-week period.
2. Studio & Accommodation: Private workspace and living quarters provided.
3. Institutional Support: Full access to event spaces, venue support, and the “Super Agent” community network.
4. Visibility: Included in all official media promotion and public program cycles.
5. Cultural Immersion: Exclusive guided experiences exploring Chengdu’s cultural landscape.
6. Events & Networking: Participation in salons, talks, and open studio events.
7. Presentation Opportunities: Showcasing residency outcomes through exhibitions, performances, publications, and public art projects.
Note: Travel (airfare/train) and production costs are to be covered by residency creators.
Process Residency Activities:
1. organize and initiate 1-2 small public events
2. Open Studio& Sharing Events
3. Local field trip
4. Residency daily shooting and recording
5. Residency group gatherings and parties
During the residency, creators are required to initiate one to two participatory local activities to facilitate communication with the city and community. Concurrently, A4 Residency Art Center will organize a plethora of group activities and intimate sharing and exhibition opportunities to foster understanding among creators, encourage integration and co-creation, and facilitate links and cooperation with local resources.
Residency Duration：
Autumn 2027: July – October
Spring 2028: April – June
Autumn 2028: July – October
Each cycle lasts approximately 8 weeks and may be adjusted flexibly depending on the specific project.
Time of Outcome Display:
Autumn 2027: September – October
Spring 2028: May – June
Autumn 2028: September – October
Possible Residency Outcomes:
1. Public artworks (temporary/permanent)
2. Display of artworks or projects
3. Large-scale public activities or performance
4. Literature research outputs or publications
Selection Criteria:
1. Creativity & Innovation: Uniqueness and originality of the proposed project and its potential to push artistic, design, or commercial boundaries.
2. Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: The applicant’s ability to engage with local communities and commercial brands, generating sustainable impact.
3. Feasibility & Execution: The application can efficiently execute the project within the specified time and achieve the expected results.
4. Social & Cultural Impact: Potential contributions to the local community and cultural landscape.
Application Requirements:
1. Resume & Portfolio: A CV highlighting previous collaborations with communities and commercial brands.
2. Project Proposal: A detailed plan outlining the intended project, objectives, methodology, and how it will engage with local communities or commercial partners.
How to apply：
Applicants must submit all materials in both English and Chinese, including:
Personal photo
Portfolio
CV
Project Proposal
For the standard fellowship, Please email to: a4residency@a4am.cn
“A4 International Residency Application – [Your Name] – 2027 Autumn/2028 Spring/2028 Autumn”
For the light version, Please email to: qiaojiayi@a4residency.com.cn
“A4 Residency Light Version Application – [Your Name]- 2027 Autumn/2028 Spring/2028 Autumn”
Brand collaboration：
Collaborations & Partnerships
For cultural institutions, governments, foundations, or business leaders seeking to enhance brand identity and cultural engagement, we welcome collaboration opportunities. Please contact us at: zhubaoyi@a4residency.com.cn